Arusha

Arusha sits at about 1,400 metres on the southern slopes of Mount Meru, and it is the operational base for the entire Tanzanian northern circuit. Nearly every Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire itinerary starts or finishes here — vehicles are loaded, briefings are given, and guides are met. On cross-border routes from Kenya it is also the natural overnight stop after the Namanga border crossing, breaking what would otherwise be an unreasonably long drive. The town itself is green and pleasant, with Mount Meru rising behind it, coffee estates on the lower slopes, and a good range of hotels from practical transit properties to genuinely luxurious estates.

Why visit Arusha

• The logistical gateway to Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.
• A practical and necessary overnight break on the overland route between Kenya and Tanzania.
• Mount Meru, Tanzania's second highest mountain, rising directly behind the town.
• Coffee estates on the mountain's lower slopes, several of which welcome visitors.

Wildlife

Arusha is a town rather than a wildlife destination. Nearby Arusha National Park holds giraffe, buffalo, colobus monkey, flamingo on the Momella Lakes and good birding, and is occasionally used as a short first-day drive, but it is not part of the standard circuit.

• Black-and-white colobus in nearby Arusha National Park
• Flamingo on the Momella Lakes
• Giraffe and buffalo on the lower slopes of Mount Meru

Best time to visit

Year-round. The altitude keeps it temperate, and evenings are cool.

Year-round.

Things to do

Safari briefing and departure

Meeting your guide, vehicle checks and the itinerary briefing before heading out.

Coffee estate visits

Tours on the slopes of Mount Meru, usually arranged as a separate optional activity.

Arusha National Park

A half-day drive with colobus, giraffe and the Momella Lakes, where the itinerary allows.

How long to stay

One night, either side of the circuit. Cross-border itineraries from Kenya nearly always overnight here to break the drive.

What it combines with

Arusha is the hinge between Kenya and the Tanzanian northern circuit, and the start of every Tanzania-only route in the catalogue.